Next Month’s Fashion Awards in London will see Moncler chief Remo Ruffini receiving the Trailblazer Award for his contribution to the fashion industry. It comes after he took the Business Leader title at the British Fashion Awards in December 2019.

The British Fashion Council (BFC) said it’s “delighted” that the man who’s chairman, CEO and creative director of the business “will be recognised for his pioneering leadership and creative vision in guiding Moncler through disruptive ideas like the Moncler Genius platform”.

He took the helm of what was a struggling outerwear specialist in 2003 and started a “global brand reset that elevated Moncler to a luxury positioning while always remaining faithful to its roots and heritage,” the BFC said. “With his ability to constantly push boundaries and a unique talent for brand vision, Ruffini soon put in place an integrated strategy that combines business acumen with a constantly evolving creative sensitivity. This approach cemented Moncler’s international success, leading the company to be listed on the Milan Stock Exchange in 2013 after just a decade.”

The acquisition of Stone Island in 2021 marked another key step in Moncler’s evolution, creating the Moncler Group.

The company had long offered an ultra-high-end spin on its already-high-end products via its Giambattista Valli-designed Gamme Rouge label, but the cancellation of that and the arrival of Moncler Genius in 2018 took it to a new level. 

It “redefined the brand’s cultural relevance in the digital era, introducing constant dialogue and engagement with new and bigger communities through pioneering collaborations including: Craig Green, Jonathan Anderson, Richard Quinn and Simone Rocha. 

“Since then, Moncler Genius has evolved into a platform for co-creation, teaming up with partners from multiple industries — spanning art, design, entertainment, music, sport and culture and bringing a new energy and meaning to the world of luxury.”

Most recently in October 2024, Moncler presented “The City of Genius” in Shanghai, “an immersive experience of creativity, culture and energy” that closed Shanghai Fashion Week. 

BFC chief Caroline Rush said: “We are thrilled to honour Remo Ruffini with the Trailblazer Award for his immense contributions to the fashion industry and continued commitment to championing British design talent on a global stage. Ruffini has reimagined Moncler’s approach, building a brand that wholeheartedly embraces creativity, innovation and collaboration across disciplines, ultimately setting a new standard for the luxury industry entirely.”